A roadside breakdown during a road trip can feel a lot less stressful if you are well prepared. Learn how to handle car trouble safely so that you can cruise with confidence this summer.

Before heading out on a road trip, you can secure a lot of peace of mind by making sure your car is well-maintained and running smoothly. But even then, car trouble can still occur, especially on longer journeys. Instead of worrying about that possibility, it helps to be prepared and know what to do in the case of a breakdown.

Stay Calm and Get to Safety

As soon as you notice that something doesn’t seem right, whether it’s a strange noise, a warning light, or a sudden loss of power, your top priority should be getting off the road. Turn on your hazard lights and begin moving to the shoulder or the nearest safe area to stop. Position your vehicle as far from traffic as you can.

Make Yourself Visible

Once you’ve stopped, focus on keeping yourself visible to other drivers so they can slow down and move over. Keep your hazards on and place reflective warning triangles behind your vehicle if you have them (so make sure you’ve added those to your emergency kit before leaving!).

Assess the Situation

If conditions and traffic allow, try to assess what is wrong with your vehicle. Some issues, like a flat tire or a dead battery, may be easy to identify and potentially fix if you have the tools and know-how. However, you should avoid attempting repairs that you are not comfortable with, as the roadside is not an ideal place to figure it out.

Call for Help

Before going on a road trip, it’s a great idea to make sure you have roadside assistance. These services can handle common issues like towing, battery boosts, flat tire changes, or even fuel delivery if you’ve run out of gas. To help the process go smoothly when you make the call, try to provide clear details about your location, like the nearest exit or visible landmark.

If you don’t have roadside assistance, then you will need to call a local towing company or, in more urgent situations, emergency services.

Note, as well, that if you’re going to be travelling in remote areas with poor service, then you may need to wait for assistance to pass by. It is vital that you’ve let someone know your travel plans ahead of time, including your route and expected arrival, so they can send help if need be.

Use Your Emergency Kit

If you need to wait for help to reach you, then having a well-stocked emergency kit can make the wait a lot more manageable. Before leaving for your trip, you should make sure it has essentials like the aforementioned warning triangles, as well as items like water, snacks, a flashlight, jumper cables, blankets, and a first aid kit. Even if help isn’t far away, having these essentials can help keep you comfortable and relaxed.

Car trouble might not be part of the plan, but it doesn’t have to derail your trip. Stay prepared, know what to do, and you’ll be able to handle anything that comes your way on the road.